Nuclear war isn't something most of us worry about much today, but that doesn't mean the U.S. and Russia aren't still prepared. In fact, both countries' arsenals are ready to launch at a moment's notice.

Again, it seems silly to most of us that either side would launch at this stage of global history, but some people aren't so sure. And they're even more worried that hackers could make the decision for us.

Retired Gen. James Cartwright, who ran Strategic Command from 2004 to 2007 followed by a stint as the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is making the case that we need to "de-alert" the U.S., and Russian, nuclear arsenal. In other words, instead of being ready to launch in minutes, a launch would take 24 to 72 hours to go through.

This would give both sides more time to look at a developing situation before responding. That's especially helpful because he believes that the control systems around the nuclear arsenals are vulnerable to hackers.